According to Bernard Hammelburg, foreign commentator for BNR and creator of the America Podcast along with correspondent Jan Postma, Biden’s video message contained “everything we think about Biden.” “He looks honest and shows willpower, but at the same time you hear that very soft and difficult voice of that very old man.” Biden is currently 81 years old, if he manages to complete a second term he will be 86 years old.
According to Jan Postma, the campaign team above all wants to emphasize that Biden knows how to surround himself with young people. Vice President Kamala Harris features prominently in the video. “That in itself is surprising, because Harris didn’t get much attention during his time as vice president. And people aren’t very enthusiastic about her either.”
“He seems honest and shows willpower, but at the same time you hear that very soft and difficult voice of that very old man.” ‘
competition
Biden had already hinted at his re-election bid several times. However, the actual announcement has been delayed. “It had to happen once, and for various reasons,” says Hammelburg. “First because the Democratic Party then becomes reluctant to compete.” It is common for rival candidates to hold back when an incumbent president runs for re-election.
Polls show that Biden isn’t doing great. According to NBC, only 5% support Biden’s candidacy and nearly 40% call another Trump-Biden race exhausting. “But should the battle play out again between Trump and Biden, Biden has the best credentials to win again against Trump. This is also a repeat of the previous elections,’ says Hammelburg.
“We know everything, everything has already been said. This is exactly the same message as four years ago.
Postma agrees. It also reminds me a lot of 2016 when the election was between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. At the time many people also said that Clinton was not the ideal candidate, but if she really had to vote for her ». The message from Trump and Biden is exactly the same. “We know everything, everything has already been said. This is exactly the same message as four years ago.
New generation
The age of both also plays a role in this. Many voters want rejuvenation and believe it is time for a new generation. “The whole of American politics is a geriatric institution,” says Hammelburg. “The average age in the Senate is over 64. They are all elderly who govern this country”.
Within the Republican party, Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley appear to be the individuals who belong to that new generation. The question is whether they can make things difficult for Trump. ‘The great thing is that we know early on where things are headed. The first debate between the Republican candidates will take place in August. Then we’ll see if Trump is really still that popular with Republicans.”
Watch out for the ball
Biden is expected to focus primarily on the presidency in the coming months. You also saw it with Obama. Biden occasionally takes advantage of opportunities, but above all he has to keep an eye on the ball. Very big and important things are happening inside and outside the country. Like a huge migration crisis and the war in Ukraine.”
Whether the battle will still be between Biden and Trump depends on the primaries. Both sides have to decide who will fight for the White House next year. Moreover, this time the roles will be reversed: where Trump defended his policy four years ago, Biden will now face that challenge.